The Many Benefits of Vitamin D

More than four of 10 Americans don’t get enough Vitamin D. That’s according to the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital.

Some U.S. populations have even higher levels of deficiency. Including premenopausal women and those with poor nutrition habits. Plus those who avoid even minimal sun exposure. And those who take prescription medications long term. 

This is unfortunate. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. Your body requires it for the growth and development of strong bones and teeth. And overall good health. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that functions like a steroid hormone in the body.

People need Vitamin D to allow the intestines to stimulate and absorb calcium. And to reclaim calcium the kidneys would otherwise excrete. Vitamin D includes vitamins D1, D2 and D3.

It helps your body absorb and maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphate. Both of which are important for bone health. And it facilitates normal immune system function. Which aids in protecting against health problems.

As well as brain and nervous system health. Plus lung function and cardiovascular health, and regulating insulin levels.

A Variety of Deficiency Issues

How do you know if you have a Vitamin D deficiency? The easiest way to determine this is through a blood test.

Among the symptoms experienced by those deficient in Vitamin D is fatigue. Plus aches and pains, and a general lack of energy. Muscle or bone weakness can also result. As can impaired wound healing, hair loss and mood swings.

Primary factors for not getting enough Vitamin D include where a person lives. People in northern latitudes generally do not receive as much Vitamin D as they need. Neither do those living in areas of high pollution. 

Other factors include certain medical conditions. Plus body weight. And one’s ability to absorb Vitamin D. More sun exposure, foods high in Vitamin D and supplements usually take care of this deficiency.

Food and Sunlight

Foods that provide plenty of Vitamin D include fatty fish. Such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and canned tuna. Plus cod liver oil, beef liver, egg yolk, shrimp and regular mushrooms.

As well as cheese, fortified milk and certain fortified cereals. And oatmeal, fortified yogurt and fortified orange juice.

Susan Blum is an assistant clinical professor in the department of preventative medicine. It’s based at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

She recommends 20 to 30 minutes a day of exposure to the sun before applying sunscreen. It’s generally not necessary to be concerned about getting too much Vitamin D.

Excessive amounts are unlikely to occur through eating and sun exposure. Especially because your body regulates the amount of Vitamin D produced through sun exposure. 

Singing Vitamin D’s Praises 

Medical personnel who extol the virtues of Vitamin D include Dr. Greg Plotnikoff. He’s with Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Here’s what he said. “Vitamin D represents the single most cost-effective medical intervention in the United States.” 

Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author. He said, “Vitamin D is, without question, the miracle nutrient of the century.”

“In all my many years of practice of medicine, I’ve never seen one vitamin, not even Vitamin C, have such profound effects on human health.” So says Dr. Soram Khalsa of the East-West Medical Research Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Patriot Vital4 

Many areas of the country get plenty of rain in the spring. Which means more clouds and less sunshine. Which also means less Vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiencies have been tied to nearly every major health challenge adults face. Especially if you’re over 50.

A great source of Vitamin D is Patriot Vital4. Three other essential nutrients your body needs to function and thrive are also included. They are choline, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium.

These four nutrients all support a strong heart, sharp mind, strong bones and muscles, and vibrant health and vitality.

4 Essential Nutrients

Choline lends support to muscle strength, liver health and brain function. Our brains use choline to make two critical chemicals for sharp memory. They are acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine. Patriot Vital4 provides a potent dose of choline.  

Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient found in every cell in your body. In fact, your cells can’t function without it. It’s the key to making 95% of your energy. Mostly in your heart and brain. CoQ10 helps fight fatigue and provides support for cardiovascular and brain health. 

Magnesium is also found throughout our bodies. It’s essential for producing energy and supporting healthy blood sugar. As well as building strong bones, and easing stress and anxiety. In addition, it supports heart health.

Studies show Vitamin D can protect against bone loss. As well as reduce your risk of falling and support your heart and blood pressure levels. And protect against aches and pains.